Winter 2011/Pasadena
NS501
Nguyen

NS501: NEW TESTAMENT 2: ACTS-REVELATION. V. Henry T. Nguyen.


DESCRIPTION: This course provides an introduction to the Acts of the Apostles, the New Testament letters, and the Apocalypse of John. The course gives particular attention to the life and letters of the Apostle Paul. In addition to considering the introductory issues of authorship, date, structure, purpose, and relevant historical background, the course will examine the contents and theologies of these various writings.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: A better understanding and appreciation of these New Testament documents are not only essential for Christian preaching, teaching, discipleship, and spirituality, but also for creative theological thinking to engage today's world.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students should be able (1) to demonstrate familiarity with the historical background, genre, content, structure, and message of the writings from Acts through Revelation; (2) to demonstrate developing skill in the interpretation of these writings as appropriate for effective leadership in various contexts; and (3) to articulate the character of the Acts of the Apostles, the NT letters, and the Apocalypse of John as witnesses to the significance of Jesus Christ for the life and mission of his church.

COURSE FORMAT: The course, which meets weekly for three-and-a-half-hour sessions, consists of lectures and discussion related to the assignments and assigned readings.

REQUIRED READING:

Achtemeier, P., J. Green, and M. Meye Thompson. Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology. Eerdmans, 2001. ISBN: 9780802837172. Pub.price: $40.00.

Bauckham, Richard. The Theology of the Book of Revelation. New Testament Theology. Cambridge University Press, 1993. ISBN: 9780521356916. Pub.price: $26.99.

Gorman, Michael J. Reading Paul. Cascade Companions. Cascade, 2008. ISBN: 9781556351952. Pub.price: $22.00.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
  1. Short paper (2000 words) on an assigned NT passage (30%)

  2. Short paper (2000 words) on a theological theme in Revelation (30%)

  3. Final exam covering lectures and readings (40%)

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in New Testament 2 (NT2) and MAT requirement (effective Winter 2010).

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (October 2010)